Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-12-11
herself in ambition or outwis her in re-

posslole' nrst IN the field. so that
evening she did three things. She had
a maternal conversation with Opheiia.
VINO by delicate method OF Thought
,ransierence she inspired with certain
hopes TO which there was no need 10
give open utterance. She wrote 10
Iooies TO send man 10 take
johns measure for sundry new and
becoming garments. She wrote TO Ro-
isndis to recommend TO her first-rate
nrench master and 10 send her some Of
the newest French literature.
Mean time great preparations were
made at the Captains, who was TO enter
tam his illustrious friend for q brief
period Till Berestord Hall had undergone
certain decorative changes. suitable to
the exalted rank OF its expected occu-
pant. The Duke had put this matter
almost entirely in the Captains hands.
who was to order ell requisites with
Tree purse, and as much as possible from
the local tradesmen. This added i'm
mensely to the Captains popularity, and
it was generally felt that his Liberal OBJ
ponent for the next election might as
well yacate the field mt once. The Cap-
tam daily expected the Duke. together
with his faithful Achates and companion,
who reioiced in the name of MIR. Edwin
Vincent
One day the Duke telegraphed to the
4 Captain begging him. to send and meet
him by train due Mt Littleswamp late
that afternoon. But the telegram, I'M
luckily, was never delivered, for it fell
out OF the bearers pocket, and being
found 10y a small boy was by him
promptly torn to pieces the bearer,
when he discovered the loss, wisely re-
lying on crcumspect silence. The con-
sequence was disastrous, for the Duke
and his satellite stepped on arriving
into a carriage which they took
TO be intended for themselves,
but which had really been sent
10y the Rossendales for the tailor from
Pooles and the French master from Ro-
landi's who happened TO be coming by
the same train. When they arrived the
butler, who had no notion of attempting
to announce the French master by name,
Ushered the Duke into the drawing groom,
| first showing his companion into the
study, there 10 await the pleasure of his
master. The Duke seemed rather puzzled
at first but he imagined that his host
and hostess were for the moment en-
gagged, and that the strange lady and her
daughter were fellow guests with himself
under the Captains hospitable roof.
Tea was served, and the usual COM
monplaces of conversation exchanged,
after which Mrs Rossendale rang the
/ bell, and babe the butler send Mr.. Fitz-
! hubert down. "This is my son, she
said, as she introduced a strapping,
graceless youth of seventeen. alt is my
wish that he should have the benefit of
/ conversations with you in yonr native
tongue. (Fitzhubert, don't giggle.)"
- With the greatest of pleasure" said
the Duke graciously.
"You will also read French with my
self and my daughter Ophelia, " added
the lady.
1t sounded oddly like an imperative,
but the Duke took 1t as a request, and
replied that that also would give him
much pleasure.
"You have doubtless brought with
you someo of the newest books from Paris.
Pray, may / ask you for some of their
names ?"'
81 regret, Madam," said the Duke,
"that in coming 10 England / have left
my native literature as well as my native
land behind me. 3"
"How vexing said the lady. "Then
we shall have, fear, to depend on RAJ
/ clue. (Fitzhubert. run and fetch Racine
instead OF griuning there like an IDIOT
Excuse me, but should just like to test
your accent from Racine. / assume that
/ it is the purest Parislan.
Before the Duke, astonished beyond
measure, could reply, in rushed Vincent,
/ in high st tie of indignation. What
/ is the meaning of this insult? ?" he eX
/ claimed. "They take me for tailor IN
/ this house They ask me to take aman'
measure Was it rour intention to sub
iect me to this insult, NJ. lie Duc?"
Fitzhubert exploded, and so did his
mother, but in a different way for she
could not suppress a slight scream, as
lust at this moment her husband ushered
/ into the room the veritable French mas
/ ter and the tailor who, CHANGING to get
a lift. had ut last reached their destna-
/ ton. ] Will not attempt TO describe
+ the amaZement on one side, the expiana-
tons and apologies on the other, which
ensued before this painful scene ended
and the Duke and his attendant finally
departed with the profusest expressions
of gratitude and amity.
Then it was Johns turn. He, as the
schoolboys say, caught it. It's all your
stupid fault, John, exclaimed ms
spouse. wringing her hands in her excess
II yexation. why did you not save
me from this? You've no more sense
than q toad, rs well as no more ambition.
Ont What shall l do What shall l
do?" q,
FORGET all about it, dear mother, -
said Fitzhubert. laughing. g. At all
events, we shall need no formal intro
duction to Pure C@rulean. He'll know
rs all again when he sees us.
"Fitzhubort, " said his mother sternly,
cit is no laughing matter. The very
thought of it is agonizing. John, 1t s
like Won. TO stand there and let that boy
exnlt over the distress of his mother.
Fitzhubert retreated, but explosions
Of laughter, like a squib going oil, might
be heard at intervals as he receded into
the distance.
When once the Duke was settled in
Beresford Hall his popularity grew
apace. The custom he gave TO all sorts
OF tradespeople was rs lavish as became
his position. No one thought OF any
thing so insulting as sending in their
hills. The Dukes custom was ITS own
reward. Dukes, of course, are exempt
from the horrid modern custom OF
ready-money payments. That IS one OF
the compensations of the position.
Captain Fosse still chung to the Duke
rs in a sense his own possession or crea-
ton. de lost no opportunity oil being
seen in his presence, aud one day gave,
large garden party to introduce. the
Duke generally TO the society OF tue
neiqhborhood. Who in LittleswamP !,
ever forgot that day? There were Lord
and Lady Trump, Sir Thomas and Lady
Speldhurst, Lady Jezebel Beauclerc' MI
and Lady Wilhelmina Scrub, DR.. Know
ali. and a host OF other local celebrities
Ofcourse the Captain and his wife, as
strong Primrose Leagues, confined Their
invitations 10 the Tory side. The Duke
YVES a Conservative possession, ana
not A faint of democracy Was